As I lay under the shade of the tree, lost in thought, a familiar voice breaks through the haze of my own mind. "Well, that was certainly... eventful," Shea remarks, her tone laced with amusement.
I open my eyes to find Shea standing before me, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. Despite the exhaustion etched on her face, there is a warmth to her presence that fills me with a sense of familiarity and comfort.
I can't help but smile at her comment, the tension of the day melting away in the face of her infectious energy. "Eventful is one way to describe it," I reply with a slight raise of my chest. She settles down beside me, her movements graceful and fluid.
"I must say, I never expected environmental manipulation to be so hard," Shea continues, "I know we trained for it but to do it during the exams just felt way... worse." her expression turned thoughtful.
I nod in agreement, recalling the extensive training we have endured the past few years. Everyday, we wake up before the sun has fully risen to begin training, our bodies and minds pushed to their limits in pursuit of mastery over our abilities.
The training encompasses a wide range of disciplines, each one tailored to develop specific aspects of our abilities. From mastering the intricacies of environmental manipulation to honing our combat skills in simulated batters, we push ourselves well beyond our limit each day.
As the designated time approaches, a hush falls over the courtyard, broken only by the occasional murmur of students preparing themselves for the challenge ahead.
"Attention, students," Master Marrit's voice rings out, commanding and authoritative. "It is time for the final assessment. Please make your way back to the center of the theater." With a final glance at Shea, I steel myself for the challenges that this exam will present. As the first students step forwards towards the theater, I take a deep breath and prepare to join them.
"For your final assessment, we will be testing your tactical abilities." The Professor announces, "You will be challenged by holographic opponents, thanks to the Illuminators on the other side of the theatre."
The professor points in their direction and we all turn our heads. There are five of them lined up, each one just as powerful as the next.
"You will be tested on your strength, your ability to fend off attacks and incapacitate your opponents, and finally, your ability to rescue the civilians hiding inside the academy." The illuminators raise their hands and a large holographic image appears, an almost replica of the academy courtyard.
Each element of the image is accurate, with each corner and curve. "One at a time you will enter to begin your trial, defending against attacks, reaching the door to the academy and rescuing a civilian. Then your task is to bring them back safely." I can feel the knot tightening even harder in my chest, combat is not something I excel at.
As I stand on the hard ground of the theater, preparing to face the holographic opponents that await me, a murmur of conversation drifts through the air, drawing my attention to the students gathered around me.
"I heard the holograph will change based on your weaknesses," I hear someone say, "That way they can challenge you more than any training would." I glance around, noting the tension and nervous energy hanging in the air.
The realization hits me like a bolt of lighting, sending a surge of adrenaline coursing through my veins. If the holograph is truly capable of sensing our weaknesses and adapting its tactics accordingly, then this exam will be far more challenging than I ever could have imagined.
I watch each student take their turn in the holograph, creating shields of light to fend off the attacks, using their combat abilities to fight off the enemy.
My palms start to sweat as I realize every student has safely brought the civilian back from the academy. A few students show burn marks from missed attacks, and one student sprained his ankle, forgetting the setting was a hologram.
I'm at the front of the line, face to face with the glowing golden holographic city. I watch as the Illuminators reset the scenario and give the approving nod that they are ready.
"Step up," the professor tells me sternly, "Remember, you are to rescue the civilians on the other end of the courtyard. The guardians are programmed to attack, not to injure. They cannot kill you during this trial."
I gulp, I forgot they are still able to harm you like a real opponent would, even if they are programmed not to.
"Your time begins in 10.. 9.." My heart begins racing faster than ever, what do I do first? Attack? Defend?
"..2..1 Begin!"
YOU ARE READING
Echoes of Twilight - The Riftwalker Chronicles
خيال (فانتازيا)In a world divided between the realms of Light and Void, Leora navigates life as a mute orphan, shunned by society for her perceived weakness. Born in a society where one's worth is measured by their ability to channel the power of light, Leora's in...
